Malé Island

Malé Island (mälˈā) [key] small island and town (1995 pop. 62,937), capital of the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean. Part of Malé Atoll, Malé Island is the site of a seaplane base and a ship anchorage and is a center of interisland trade in coconuts, coir, palm mats, copra, and cowries. It is the seat of the Maldivian people's assembly and of the sultan's residence. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulule Island.